FAUCET SPRAYS The heart of a faucet spray is a mechanism called a diverter or butterfly valve located inside the faucet in a chamber just below the base of the swing spout. This valve normally permits water to flow freely through the spout when the spray attachment is...
Home Repair
Project Topics
Project Center
Home Repair
Lawn & Garden
Outdoor & Seasonal
Paint
Pets
Pipes, Fittings, and Valves
These materials may be made of metal or plastic. Plumbing components made of bronze and brass contain 3% to 8% lead. Lead serves two purposes in the copper alloys from which these materials are manufactured. First, lead aids in the manufacturing process by providing...
Faucets
COMPRESSION FAUCETS Water flow in a compression faucet (a common residential faucet) is regulated by turning a lever, T or four-ball handle attached to a threaded spindle. When the spindle is turned down, the washer or disk attached to its lower end is pressed tightly...
Learn about Paint Application Tools
OTHER APPLICATION TOOLS ROLLERS The major advantages of paint rollers include speed of application and versatility. Since most wall paints are formulated for roller application, you will do a quicker, smoother job with a roller. Standard wall rollers, used in large...
Learn about Paint
LATEX PAINTS Latex paints can be thinned with water and are easily applied. Compared to oil-based paints, the advantages of latex paints are: Less odor Water cleanup Nonflammable Rapid drying Easy touchup Easy application, even on damp surfaces Better gloss and color...
Interior Decor
WALLCOVERINGS Applying wallcovering is very much the province of do-it-yourselfers. Technical advancements make "paper-hanging" a relatively easy redecorating job. Self-adhesive or pre-pasted coverings simplify the job; paper- or fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings...
Glazing Materials
GLAZING MATERIALS: GLASS Architectural glass - glazing for windows, doors, shower enclosures and other household - installations is governed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials. The standard, whose...